St Mary, St Peter & Christ Church

Bereavement & Funerals

Papa India memorial window at St Mary’s Church

When someone close to us dies, whether at the end of a long illness or without warning, we are deeply affected. Often we are in pain and have searching questions about the meaning of life, about death and about our faith. At this time the Church of England offers support in your bereavement and a hope which points beyond death to resurrection and a new life.

A funeral is used to mark the end of a person’s life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for and celebrate the life lived and commend the person into God’s keeping.

Everyone in the Parish of Staines is entitled to a memorial service in the church, to have their ashes buried in their local parish cemetery by their vicar or to have a memorial service at a local crematorium.

The Church lives in hope because of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and we see a sense of victory underlying death. Both the hurt and the hope find expression in the Church’s rites at the time of death and after.

Your vicar will assist you in planning the funeral. In consultation with you, the vicar will ensure that the funeral service will be a dignified expression of caring love and Christian hope.

Contact the parish office with any questions about preparations for a funeral and to arrange a consultation with the vicar.

General Enquiries

The parish office is open Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 to 12:30, for all your general and hall booking enquiries.